Can You Shower with Shingles? Ouch!
Can You Shower with Shingles?
Keeping the skin clean is important when you have shingles, but the blisters’ pain may become irritated by a shower depending on the water pressure and temperature. Most professionals prescribe a cool, soothing bath for those with shingles. [Shingles: Lifestyle and home remedies.” Mayo Clinic]
Continue Reading
Shingles Statistics
Anybody who has had chickenpox can get shingles, which accounts for 95% of US adults. It is most common in people over 50. Roughly one-third of the US adult population will get shingles at some point in their lives. The likelihood of contracting it increases with age. [CDC – “CDC Recommends Shingles Vaccination”]
Cool Baths Are Better than Showers
A soothing bath may help to relieve some of the pain and itching that accompanies a shingles outbreak. Adding a few cups of oatmeal to each bath may also help to soothe and relieve. You can either purchase an oatmeal bath or make your own by grinding plain, dry oatmeal in a blender or food processor.
If You Must Shower
If you want to shower, make it cool and comforting to diffuse the burning pain that can accompany a shingles outbreak. You may also wish to turn your water pressure down so as not to irritate the painful blisters. Make sure to pat yourself dry gently.
Precautions with Showering
Direct contact with blister fluid, or objects contaminated with blister fluid, is how the varicella-zoster virus is spread. If your blisters are still oozing, you will need to either dispose of or completely disinfect all the used items during bathing.
Resources